D-backs’ Martinez named NL Player of the Month for September
Oct 2, 2017, 2:35 PM | Updated: 4:42 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks' J.D. Martinez follows the flight of his three-run home run off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray in the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder J.D. Martinez was named the National League Player of the Month for September on Monday.
Martinez also won two Player of the Week honors during the month.
The 30-year-old Martinez rewrote the D-backs record book in more ways than one this past month. In 24 games, Martinez hit .404 and broke the franchise record for most home runs (16) and most RBI (36) in a month.
Martinez’s 16 home runs also tied an MLB record for most home runs in September. Former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder and seven-time NL home run champion Ralph Kiner originally set the record in 1949.
Martinez’s 45th home run of the season, his 29th with the Diamondbacks, against the San Francisco Giants last Wednesday tied Kiner’s mark.
#JustDingers isn’t just a hashtag, it’s a way of life.
No. 45 for @JDMartinez14. pic.twitter.com/UoTDUXx63d
— MLB (@MLB) September 27, 2017
Martinez became the 18th player in MLB history and first Diamondback to hit four home runs in one game on Sept. 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
After the month of August in which Martinez hit .232 with eight home runs and 17 RBI, he officially cemented his value. General manager Mike Hazen acquired Martinez from the Detroit Tigers just before the trade deadline. The D-backs gave up infield prospects Dawel Lugo, Sergio Alcantara and Jose King.
After his performance this month, it is hard to argue against Martinez’s acquisition being one of the best midseason trades in baseball history.
No player has ever won MVP after switching leagues and Martinez likely will not be the first. But, he should receive votes and when the offseason begins, he will be one of the most coveted free agents.
